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Each year, August 7th marks Purple Heart Day. Westwood recently qualified for the designation due to the honor of having one known, living, Purple Heart recipient – Mr. Richard F. Gibbons - residing in town.
Mr. Gibbons served as an Army captain, airborne Ranger, and commanded a company unit in Vietnam. His years of service were from 1965 to 1969. Notably, Mr. Gibbons is also recipient of multiple other military honors, including the Silver Star, one of the nation’s highest military awards for bravery and exceptional service under fire, and the Bronze Star, an award for heroism or achievement.
The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to those who serve with the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded, killed or died of wounds received in armed conflict on behalf of the United States or as the result of an act of any hostile foreign force. As a general during the American Revolution, George Washington created the honor in 1782, called the Badge of Military Merit.
While the modern Purple Heart recognition officially began in 1932 under General Douglas MacArthur, it was first introduced by General George Washington as the Badge of Merit. It is the oldest American military decoration for military merit.
Purple Heart Day was first observed in 2014. It is an opportunity for the community, and the nation, to reflect upon the courage of the approximately two million Americans who have who have fought and been injured or died for this country.
